• Funky, interesting interior
• Not backed up by materials
• Easy to get comfy, though

The idea behind the Juke is that it’s supposed to be a bit funky, but, aside from the motorcycle fuel tank-inspired central console, it’s somewhat conservative inside when you look deeper at some of the fixtures and fittings – they’re ones you’ll find on plenty of other Nissan models.

The dashboard is a large, cheap-looking hard plastic affair and the layout isn’t exactly a paragon of futuristic design, however it is easy to use.

The climate and driving control buttons are a little flimsy though – a quick prod with an index finger can move them about, which is hardly reassuring for future use and abuse. Similarly, the central armrest on some models can feel very flimsy and wobbly.

Juke Nismo RS interior

Inside the Nismo’s cabin some will be disappointed at the fairly restrained appearance, however we think this subtlety works on this version of the Juke.

The deep-sided suede-trimmed sports seats feel supportive and look good – though the seatbacks are pretty hard and unyielding – while the leather-trimmed steering wheel with Alcantara grips looks suitably sporty. It also includes a competition car-style centre marker at the top of the wheel, finished in red to match the overall colour scheme.

There’s yet more suede on the door-liners and the Nismo logo is repeated around the cabin on the gear lever surround, floor mats and seats just in case you forget what car you’re in.

All of this is offset nicely by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gearlever, echoing the exterior pinstriping, along with a fittingly racy red lighting scheme for the rev counter.

Comfort

• Easy to find a comfortable driving position
• Seats comfy, but not very supportive
• Firm ride upsets the calm

All things considered, the Nissan Juke’s comfort levels are pretty decent. The high driving position really helps driver vision and the steering wheel and seat adjustments are flexible and comprehensive enough to yield a comfortable driving position within seconds. The only thing that’s likely to bother some drivers is the lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel.

Once on the road the Juke can get rather bouncy on uneven surfaces and the seats don’t offer enough side support when you take tight corners at speed, despite their impressive comfort for the rest of the time.

It’s pleasant enough to spend time in, and if you are regularly making journeys that last under an hour you will emerge from the driving seat feeling pretty relaxed. The firm ride might start to irritate on longer trips though.

Nissan Juke Nismo RS comfort

In comparison with the standard Juke, the Nismo gains sports seats with enhanced side supports. These are great for keeping the driver and front passenger hemmed in when negotiating twisty sections of your route.

The exhaust note is moderately zesty when you put your foot down but quiet enough to be mostly unobtrusive when you want to drive somewhere without fuss.

There is a noticeable amount of wind noise on the move, but aside from that the Nismo is as adept as a motorway cruiser as it is on twisty back roads.